What people are saying about training with Inquisitive Canine:
This deck of cards belongs on every dog lover’s book shelf! Joan’s ‘game plan’ makes it fun to work with your dog.
— Terry Ryan, Legacy Canine Behavior and Training, Inc.
“Finally! A dog trainer with training in behavior therapy! Joan’s unique and highly effective methods and understanding of dogs, their social structures, and how they relate to people is a welcome and much needed addition to our dog-loving community! If you have a problem dog, don’t give up without consulting Joan. Better yet, start your puppies off right by enrolling in Inquisitive Canine puppy classes!”
–Shelly Wilson, DVM, Ventura, CA
“Joan is the complete package in my opinion: superb technician, ultra clear communicator and compassionate for both dog and owner… a real thinking trainer whose dedication to constant improvement of skills and knowledge is a gift to her lucky clients. I could not endorse her more heartily.”
–Jean Donaldson, Trainer, Author and Director, San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers
“I recently attended Joan’s seminar “Before You Adopt.” I found the seminar to be very thorough and encompass aspects of dog ownership that many people do not consider. Although I consider myself an experienced dog owner, I found this seminar to be valuable and learned several new things. I would highly recommend this seminar for first time dog owners, as well as experienced dog owners.”
–Cindy Stratton, Ventura, CA
“From one trainer to another a BIG THANKS for your guidance and tips for helping me to work on an issue I have struggled with. Since your direction we have had many positive experiences and look forward to countless more. I now have the tool that was missing from my tool box and we are much closer to becoming a therapy dog team. Thanks again, PAWS UP!”
–Valerie M. and Lexi, Camarillo, CA
“Joan has taught me to be a better dog mom. I have learned to reward positive behavior instead of reinforcing aggression with negative consequences to bad behavior. I used to avoid places where there would be too many dogs, fearful that my dog would attack anything with four legs. Now I can take my dog for a walk at the park or the beach and not worry! Thanks Joan and Chief thanks you too! Ruff!”
–Mary Jones and Chief, Ventura, CA
“Thank you for all your great advice and helpful information. One of the best things for Sara was her first “Puppy Socialat the Inquisitive Canine Studio. She was timid at first, but with some practice and patience she was able to overcome her initial shyness and now loves to play with all the other dogs. Thank you for teaching me how to engage my dog in a positive way so she is not afraid. I love to watch her interacting and having so much fun. We still have a lot to learn, but we’re off to a good start.”
–Cheryl and Sara, Port Hueneme, CA
“We are grateful for the training and advice you have given us and our big yellow friend Scout. Taking your classes have been beneficial to both us and our canine friend. It’s nice to be able to find an instructor that cares both about the animal and their owner. I think that’s what seperates you from a lot of the others. Thanks again for everything and we look forward to more in the future.”
–Steve, Cara and our big yellow friend Scout, Santa Paula, CA
“We really use the skills we learned from you with Lulu on a daily basis. She continues to become more confident and loves her walks now (tail up and happy). You have completely changed the way our family thinks about dog raising. We’ve always been kind and loving dog owners, but thought we had to do certain things (scold when they growled, pull back when they pulled on their leash, etc.) that we now know are counterproductive. We are definitely learning!”
–Brenda Hill, Ojai, CA
“Duke and I have learned what it takes to have a well mannered dog. You have helped me with so many aspects of good dog behaviour. I have used the many techniques on my other dog as well.”
–Love and Bow Wow, Sally and Duke
“We are grateful to you for your remarkable help after we got our new puppy. You gave us understanding of the canine thought process, practical training tools and techniques, and incredible moral support. Thank you for helping all of us to be better dog owners and trainers. I would recommend your classes to anyone who wants to have a great relationship with their dog.”
–Kona and The Kimball family, Camarillo, CA
“Joan Mayer is a rare breed of dog trainer. We thought we loved our puppy before taking her to Good Manners Class, but now she is even more of an absolute joy to have in our lives! Now we really understand her behaviors, and know how to coach her to exercise good manners! We enjoyed working with Joan so much because she really took the time to address our individual needs. We really enjoy traveling with our dog, and now we have the confidence to know we can manage her in different situations no matter where our lives take us!”
–Emilia and Nick, Santa Barbara, CA
“Thank you for your very professional, caring way of helping dog owners deal with difficult training issues, puppy classes and just general how to help a dog fit into the family. You are a wonderful teacher and a friend in the dog world.”
–Mara Dan TJ and Daisy, Ojai CA
“Joan was very helpful in teaching us how to channel the energies of our very energetic English Springer Spaniel puppy. We walked away with new training tips and tools from each class and our dog loved the classes. Life with our dog is much more pleasant now as a result of her classes.”
–Colleen Hancock, Ventura CA
“Joan is not just a ‘trainer,’ she looks at the whole picture when working with you and your dog. She focuses on the things that matter to each individual owner and dog. Besides the normal sit, stay, come, Ferris and I learned all about how to play nicely with others, the importance of doggy social time, and how nice it is to go to dog class when your trainer has such positive energy and keeps learning fun. It doesn’t hurt that she also makes wonderful ‘human treats’ for class too. Thanks to Joan, Ferris is a favorite at the local Starbucks, and all the other dogs on our block come over our house to see ‘if Ferris can come out and play.’ Thanks Joan!”
–Lisa and Ferris Wheel (the cutest terrier in the world), Newbury Park, CA
“I wanted to thank you for all of your help with Rincon and myself in the Feisty Fido class. I really appreciate your training approach and animal behavior methodology because it can be used beyond the issues we worked on in class. He has really come a long way with his anxiousness around other dogs. I really like the one-on-one time so the class is customized to your specific needs, and the classroom control so dogs have a safe environment to learn.”
–Sue Callender and Rincon, Camarillo CA
“Thanks for all you help with Maggie. She has greatly benefited from your hands on training. Maggie now LOVES the water and we take her to the beach to swim regularly. This was an issue before your help with her. She is also very socialized and has a sweet disposition with other dogs. You have also taught Chris and I how to relate better with her and the other dogs around us. Keep up the good work!”
–Chris, Nancy and Maggie, Ventura CA
“We have benefited greatly from your wonderful classes…especially “fiesty fido!! I do feel more comfortable and confident when walking Merrill.”
–Linda Roslanski, Ventura CA
“Joan is one of the best dog trainers in Ventura County but what pet owners may not know is that she is not only a dog training expert, but she is an animal behavior expert overall! I adopted a very challenging outdoor cat (well, she adopted me) and she behaves very poorly with company. I called Joan not knowing where to turn and her tips made a WORLD of difference! I learned from Joan that pet training is not a one-time-trick, it is a process and the more you invest in your animal, the more you get out. I have seen great results from Joan’s great advice and really appreciate her blog and email reminder tips that remind me to have consistent behavior with my cat. Joan is inquisitive, intuitive and helps canines, felines and the most challenging animals to tame – PEOPLE! Thanks Joan for your wisdom and passion for your profession! I’m hooked!”
–Lorrie Thomas, Marketing Agency Owner, Santa Barbara, CA
What people are saying about the Out of the Box Dog Training Game*:
“The Out of the Box Dog Training Game is definitely fun for our dog, as she got more attention than she is used to. My 2.5 year old son enjoyed picking a card for the day and he has learned many commands and what he thinks are games to play with her. She doesn’t really listen to his commands but he helps to reiterate what I am teaching her.”
“I have a 2.5 year old son and a 7 months old baby. Our dog is right between them in age and sadly all of our previous training and time went out the window when we brought our daughter home. This game helped me to make time with BOTH my son and my dog. Our dog is more responsive to me which makes me MUCH happier.”
“I will definitely, without a doubt use these cards on a regular basis. there are many good ways to maintain the training and really that is what is required in a good dog..maintenance. These cards are a great way to keep things fresh and fun…and they don’t take up a lot of space!”
“I really enjoy the wait command at doors as my dog used to just run over whoever was in her way! I also noticed that if she does the “look me in the eyes” first then she will respond to whatever command I give next much better.”
“This game exceeding my expectations. When I first got the product and read through it quickly I didn’t think it would really make a difference in the way I handled the dog or the way she responded to me. But when we got into a routine we both responded well and have grown into a better relationship.”
“I have come to realize that a dog just wants attention…and training can be the best kind. This deck of cards are small enough to keep in the kitchen and handy. By giving you different option at your own pace it keeps it entertaining for all family members.”
“This game is really fun. I liked all of the suggested activities. I grew up with a dog but this is the first time our family has had a puppy and it was interesting to learn a lot of new techniques that I had not thought of before.”
“I learned a lot of new techniques and it was nice for our kids to be able to learn along side of us. Our puppy enjoyed all of the attention as well.”
“The game taught us quite a few things, especially for the kids. As a family we went through the cards and daily activities and it was nice for the kids to learn from the cards instead of us trying to teach them.”
“I absolutely would recommend this game to friends. It is a great gift for a family with a new pup as well.”
*Anonymous testimonials submitted by independent reviewers of Parent Tested Parent Approved
